A rare, long, James I, oak, drawleaf table extending to 15ft., 6 in.

Both the top and leaves are made from two, central, oak planks surrounded by a cleated, oak frame. The underside lopers and lifting mechanism are replaced. The crisp, acanthus leaf carving and the gadrooning on the frieze is surmounted by architectural, dentil ornamentation which is entirely intact. The acanthus leaf and gadrooned cup-and-cover turned legs are headed with ionic capitals. The legs are mounted on blocks joined by square stretchers.

Period drawleaf tables rarely come onto the open market, and an exceptional feature of this table is that it extends to 15ft., 6 in. As far as I can see, there are only two illustrated examples, which are both in the Dictionary of English Furniture (see below), that could have originally extended to this size. This table is in remarkable original condition with the exception of some replacements to the lifting mechanism which allows the leaves to be easily brought in and out. Due to the restrained proportions of the legs it is most likely that this table was made from the beginning of the 17th century when bulbous legs became less pronounced. This table came from a house in Buckinghamshire and is museum quality.

Reference

The Dictionary of English Furniture (Edwards), Tables, Dining and Hall, Figure 6 illustrates an 8ft., 2 in. drawleaf table in the Burrell Collection which has lost its leaves and figure 8 illustrates what appears to be another long drawleaf table, the property of Mr Tilden. Figures 7, 9 & 12 illustrate other drawleaf tables in the V&A collection and the property of Colonel Colville.

A History of English Furniture, The Age of Oak (Macaquoid), figure 107 illustrates a 7ft., 3 in., drawleaf table bearing similarities, the property of Sir Charles Lawes-Wittwronge, Bart